On the arrival of Scillonian II in 1955 and Scillonian III in 1977 (just as was the case with the Scillonian in 1926) the critics were waiting with the same comments – “too big, they will never hold her, not suitable or not as good a sea boat as the old boat” – change is not accepted easily by some.

The purchase of Scillonian III in 1977 presented the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company with great financial difficulties which were only resolved when the Government agreed to loan a large proportion of the money required. In 1998, faced with the exorbitant cost of building a new ship, the Company agreed a contract with D.M.L. of Devonport Dockyard to give Scillonican III a major refit. Improvements included a new buffet area, aircraft type reclining seats fitted to all lounge areas, a shop and refurbished bar area. On deck new wooden slat seating was added and the floor coverings replaced on all internal and external decks. Over 50 tons of steel were used to increase the standard of the ship. The ship also had 3 new generators and a new bow thruster fitted.
The cost of this extensive refit was £1.7 million, no small sum for a company providing a passenger service to a community of approximately 2,000 inhabitants.

Scillonian III continues to provide excellent service to the Islands to this day, but with a view to the future, feasability plans to purchase a new replacement vessel are currently being undertaken.